Volunteer dog foster carer Sue Bownass with Spunky, who is looking for a home.
Camera IconVolunteer dog foster carer Sue Bownass with Spunky, who is looking for a home. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Fostering support

Staff ReporterSouthern Gazette

Despite the best efforts of refuge staff and volunteers, it’s not always a happy tale for dogs such as Spunky waiting to be adopted at the Shenton Park Dogs’ Refuge Home.

Spunky, who has hip dysplasia, is being fostered by East Victoria Park resident and refuge volunteer Sue Bownass until a permanent home can be found.

‘Spunky is an adorable dog who loves attention and has me in fits of laughter with all his playful antics,’ she said.

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‘He’s very inquisitive and smart, but because of his medical condition his exercise needs to be limited, although he would love a constant human companion to keep him company.’

Refuge president Karen Rhodes says staff at the refuge rely on the home’s volunteer foster carer network to give dogs a break from the kennel environment while they wait patiently for a home.

‘The refuge can be stressful for dogs like Spunky, who is very active and understandably doesn’t enjoy being cooped up in a kennel for the majority of the day,’ she said.

‘We were particularly keen to get Spunky out into foster care to stop him jumping up and down in his kennel, which is extremely bad for his hip dysplasia.’

Spunky is one of more than 100 young dogs at the refuge looking for a new home.

Call 9381 8166 or visit www.dogshome.org.au.